Sydney signs deal with Japanese space start-up to deploy CubeSats
In an important step for CUAVA, a new partnership with Space BD will provide satellite deployment services from the International Space Station for two CUAVA satellites that are under development.
Led by the University of Sydney, CUAVA is working to train the next generation of workers in commercial space, solve vital research problems and help develop a world-class Australian space industry.
‘CUAVA-1’ is the first satellite being developed by CUAVA, with the purpose to certify advanced communication, remote sensing, GPS, and space environment instruments and provide their data to users on Earth.
Yuske Taguchi, from Space BD.
“We are excited to announce our first overseas contract for satellite deployment from a fast-growing country with a brand-new space agency, Australia,” said Yuske Taguchi, Senior Manager at Space BD.
“Starting with this project, we hope that cooperation in space between the two countries will further advance and strengthen our partnership across the Pacific region. Space BD will endeavour to further our contributions to the Australian space industry.”
After being selected as a commercial service provider by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Space BD has experienced rapid growth which has led to their first overseas contract to provide end-to-end launch and deployment services for the two CUAVA satellites.
“Signing this launch contract with Space BD is a crucial and very exciting step forward for CUAVA and all our students and partners,” Professor in Space Physics Iver Cairns said.
“We look forward to a long-term partnership with Space BD and to the CUAVA-1 CubeSat enabling major progress on our research and commercialisation projects.”
Through this partnership, Space BD will contribute to the growth of the booming Australian space industry and further expand their space utilisation services across the globe.
Professor in Space Physics Iver Cairns working with a CubeSat.
CUAVA and Space BD will launch the partnership at an event on Monday 4 March, 3.30pm. Following the public contract signing, there will be a talk on launch opportunities to the International Space Station. Register to attend.